All-in-One Multifunctional Garden Tool with Motorized Transport and Modular Heads

The problem

Gardeners often face two main challenges: the physical fatigue of transporting heavy tools across large plots and the inconvenience of managing multiple separate implements. Traditional setups require carrying a shovel, hoe, and hammer separately, leading to frequent trips back to storage sheds. Additionally, manual labor is intense, especially when moving soil or debris over distance. There is a need for a unified device that assists mobility while providing versatile tooling options without requiring complex disassembly or specialized knowledge.

The solution

1. A sliding plate (1) forms the base, supported by a driven universal wheel (2) at one end and two drive rollers (4) at the other.
2. A detachable motor (8) connects to the plate via a gear transmission system involving a driving gear (11) and a driven gear (6) on a drive shaft (7).
3. When activated, the motor rotates the drive shaft, turning the rollers to propel the user forward at a speed slightly faster than walking.
4. A containing cylinder (3) is mounted above the universal wheel. It stores the shovel head (14) and serves as the anchor point for the modular tool assembly.
5. The tool assembly consists of a first connecting column (15), a second connecting column (19), and a third connecting column (26). These columns use threaded interfaces to swap between different heads.
6. Interchangeable heads include a hoe (24), a hammer (23), and a brick head (18), all secured by sleeves (22) and threads.

Who it is for

• Landscaping contractors who need to cover large areas quickly and perform various tasks like digging, breaking, and moving soil.
• Commercial nursery operators looking to reduce worker fatigue during routine maintenance and planting activities.
• DIY homeowners with large gardens who want an all-in-one solution to avoid buying and storing multiple single-purpose tools.
• Municipal park services requiring efficient equipment for ground preparation and light demolition tasks in public spaces.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Setup: The user stands on the sliding plate (1). The tool assembly is configured based on the task. For digging, the shovel head (14) is attached to the third column (26).
2. Propulsion: The user activates the switch on the third column. The motor (8) drives the gears (6, 11), turning the front rollers (4). The plate moves forward, carrying the user and the tool.
3. Direction Control: The rear universal wheel (2) allows the user to steer by shifting weight or pushing the handle.
4. Task Execution: To dig, the user presses the shovel into the ground. To break concrete or stones, the hammer head (23) is swapped in.
5. Mode Change: To make bricks, the shovel is detached. The motor is disconnected from the base and plugged into the second column (19). The brick head (18) rotates, pressing soil into a mold shape.

Applications

Large-scale landscaping

Contractors can traverse uneven terrain while carrying heavy tools. The motorized base reduces foot fatigue, allowing longer work sessions on projects involving soil movement and bed preparation.

Demolition and clearing

The interchangeable hammer head enables workers to break up old concrete slabs or compacted earth. The mobility feature ensures they can reposition quickly after each strike, increasing efficiency in site clearance tasks.

On-site brick production

For remote sites where material delivery is difficult, the brick-making mode allows workers to form basic clay bricks using local soil. The motor provides the necessary pressure, eliminating manual stamping.

Home garden maintenance

Homeowners can use the shovel and hoe functions for planting and weeding. The ability to stand on the moving plate helps reach distant flower beds without excessive bending or walking back and forth to fetch tools.

Where it is less suitable

• Steep slopes: The sliding plate design may lack sufficient traction or stability on very steep inclines compared to tracked vehicles.
• Tight indoor spaces: The footprint of the sliding plate and extended tool arms makes it unsuitable for narrow greenhouses or indoor plant rooms.
• Precision horticulture: The bulkier nature of the combined tool and base is not ideal for delicate tasks requiring fine hand control, such as pruning small ornamental plants.